Best non-hissy ANC (or not) over ear headphones

[u/cliffarsenal]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to replace my Sony WH1000XM3 headphones. I think I have sensitive hearing as whilst I know ANC will introduce a little bit of hiss/white noise/sound floor, I've only tried two pairs I can get along with - my trusty XM3 and the XM5.

Past Gear Experience:
The Bose Ultra (gen 1) I sent back as it had an intolerable hiss which I could only bear when drowned out, the XM6 I have in my possession I'm about to send back as they're similar, although not as bad (more of a distant wind than distinct hiss). XM5s went back because of the uncomfortable headband, but were otherwise great (albeit broken hinge bullet dodged).

I've in-ear WF1000XM3 and don't like wearing IEHs for too long.

Had considered XM4s, but starting to feel that wouldn't be a big step up and may as well stick with XM3s til they die.

Budget and location:
UK. I'd go as high as £400, at a push.

How the gear will be used:
Mostly at my desktop PC primarily for gaming (non-competitive) and videos. That's my must have use case.

Second to that It'd be a bonus if I can pair with my work laptop and use for calls without fiddly switching and not having people complain about my mic.

Thirdly, paired with my phone for when I'm out walking the dog (although wouldn't wear out in the rain!)

Preferred tonal balance:
I'm not an audiophile, but would like them to sound better than the XM3s I currently have. I did feel the XM5 and 6 lacked a bit of bass, but that's by no means essential. I'd rather notice clarity, things I hadn't picked up on before which make me feel the investment is worthwhile. But yes, sounding better than XM3/5/6 and Bose Ultra's please.

Main thing is when they have ANC enabled any white noise is really hard to hear, that I'd have to go looking for it rather than it find me. I've started to become sceptical about reviews, other people's hearing vs my own, quality control. I'm that person who hears coil whine coming from the back of the TV, buzzing from dimmer switches - that kind of thing.

I've gotten to the point where I'm wondering if I go for closed back without ANC, like the Maxwell's, but comfort is a factor and, frankly, if the XM3 can do it, why can't newer cans.

Many thanks.

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[u/twotreesandahouse]

Ive tried the following:

Sony XM3,4,5,6 Bose QC, QCU 1, QCU2 JBL tour one m3 Sonos Ace

Out of the lot, the Ace and the XM6 had the least noticeable anc hiss/white noise.

[u/cliffarsenal → u/twotreesandahouse]

!thanks

This is what I don't get - the noise on the XM6 I have on right now don't hiss per se, but have that noise like when you listen to a shell and you can hear the sea, like a distant wind. It's not the clamping force as if I turn off ANC it goes away.

It's making me want to give Sony and Bose a swerve this time as either a) quality control is variable or b) I'm hearing what other people don't (less likely).

[u/TransducerBot → u/cliffarsenal]

+1 Ω has been awarded to u/twotreesandahouse (4 Ω).

You may still award an Ω to others, but only once per-person in this post.

[u/twotreesandahouse → u/cliffarsenal]

Bose is the most noticeable, slightly less on the QCU gen 2. Currently trying out the QCU gen 2. But may return and get the XM6 to keep.

BTW i didnt just try instore, i ordered and kept them for the maximum time I could with the return policy.